Tottenham were one of the only two sides in Premier League action last weekend, and managed to close the gap on the top four with a hard fought 2-1 win at QPR.
Harry Kane fired his 25th and 26th goal of the season to keep Spurs well in the hunt for Champions League football next term.
It did not look as though that would be a possibility during the first few months of the season, when Tottenham’s dreadful home form had Pochettino reportedly fighting to keep a hold of his job.
The introduction of Kane has inspired a turnaround and a challenge for Champions League football since, whilst Pochettino was denied silverware in his debut season by Chelsea in the Capital One Cup final earlier this month.
With 10 Premier League games to play, Tottenham will be happy to see themselves in the hunt for a top four finish, in what has been a decent campaign under their new boss.
Here we have identified five of the best moments of the 2014-15 season so far.
[ffc-gallery]
Click on Mauricio Pochettino to reveal the 5 best moments of Tottenham’s 2014/15 season
[/ffc-gallery]
West Ham 0-1 Tottenham
The first day of the season is a special day in any football fans calendar, whilst a London derby away day on the opening day is an ideal way to kick off any campaign – if you get the right result.
Tottenham fans felt they owed West Ham one, after the Hammers managed three victories over their north London rivals last season – the double in the Premier League and a win at White Hart Lane in the Capital One Cup.
Tottenham managed revenge in dramatic style however, when Eric Dier nicked a 1-0 win in the 90th minute, after Pochettino’s side had fought for much of the game with 10 men, after Kyle Naughton had been shown a red card in the first half for handling on the line – whilst Mark Noble missed from the spot.
Tottenham 2-1 Everton
This game in late November had a real season defining feel to it.
Tottenham’s home form was threatening to derail their season, following losses to Liverpool, West Brom, Newcastle and Stoke.
It looked as though Everton were going to become the fifth side to take maximum points from White Hart Lane when Kevin Miralles struck a superb opener.
But Pochettino’s men rallied and turned the game around, thanks to goals from Christian Eriksen and Roberto Soldado – yes, Roberto Soldado.
Tottenham have not looked back since, whilst Everton are still to make it out of the bottom half.
Swansea 1-2 Tottenham
After a shaky start to December, this late win at Swansea set Tottenham up for an almost perfect Christmas period.
A 3-0 loss to Chelsea and a goalless draw at home to Palace had gone before this clash in south Wales, and the prospect of a top four challenge was looking slim.
But goals from the two stars of Tottenham’s season – Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen – earned Pochettino’s side a vital three points.
The nature of the win is perhaps what proved most decisive however, with Eriksen hitting the winning goal in the final minute of a hard fought game.
Come May, Tottenham may well look back on this game as a season defining one.
Tottenham 5-3 Chelsea
Tottenham’s record against Chelsea prior to this fixture was disappointing to say the least.
Jose Mourinho’s men arrived at White Hart Lane on New Years Day in excellent form, and leading the Premier League table comfortably.
Which made what followed all the more surprising.
Tottenham caused havoc to Mourinho’s side all afternoon, with Harry Kane in particularly deadly form.
Kane scored twice, won a penalty that was converted by Andros Townsend, as well as playing his part in goals for Danny Rose and Nacer Chadli, as Pochettino’s men stunned Chelsea and firmly established themselves as contenders for a top four place.
Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
Similarly to recent fixtures with Chelsea, Tottenham’s record against bitter north London rivals Arsenal has been poor down the years.
It looked as if it was going to be another north London derby to forget for Spurs supporters, when Mesut Ozil fired the Gunners in front on 11 minutes.
But this is a different Tottenham side with Harry Kane leading the line. The 21-year-old hit back with a second half brace, with his 85th minute winner a stunning header.
Tottenham took the bragging rights for north London, and also kept up their challenge for Champions League football.
With 10 games to go, it is anyone’s guess as to who will make the top four.
